Poisenous Spiders
Posted by Barry Richardson on March 8, 2006
Q: What poisenous spiders are around in Northeastern Illinois. I keep seeing a light brown, very leggy spider (not like a daddy long leg, but more like a tarantula, about 1 inch tip to tip) at my apartment, and I just saw one here atmy office.
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Illinois
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: You may have a Northern Widow (closely related to the Black Widow) in your area but this is unlikely (they prefer undisturbed wooded areas). All spiders have venom but it is only the Black Widows and Brown Recluse that are dangerous. These dangerous guys also make webs and stay put, they don't crawl around. From the sound of your spider, you may have one of the cute jumping spiders. These are very interesting spiders that have excellent vision and track down their prey. Take a look online at jumping spiders and see if one of these looks like your little guy - they all have the same basic shape. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( March 8, 2006)